In the wake of Crawford Allan’s departure as the Scottish FA’s head of referee operations, the call for fresh perspectives has never been louder.
The time is ripe for Scottish football to break from tradition and seek an external candidate to fill this crucial role. This move would not only inject new life into the organisation but also ensure a departure from the “jobs for the boys” culture that has clouded its operations.
For too long, the internal recruitment process within the Scottish FA has fostered an environment of opacity and complacency. An external hire would bring a much-needed breath of fresh air, offering innovative approaches and impartiality to the position. The next head of referee operations must be someone untethered by the existing dynamics and politics within Scottish football
Moreover, the prospect of, let’s say, an Andrew Dallas stepping into Allan’s shoes raises concerns.
While Dallas has moved off the field to take on responsibilities in the VAR room, his potential elevation to this prominent position could send the wrong message. The shadow of his father’s past, especially the controversy surrounding his dismissal for sharing an offensive anti-Catholic email, looms large. A promotion like Dallas might suggest a continuation of the very culture the Scottish FA needs to move away from.
Scottish football stands at a crossroads. The decision on who to appoint as the next head of referee operations is more than a personnel change; it’s an opportunity to start afresh and look towards the future. Let this be a moment for transparency, innovation, and a bold step forward.
